Best books for writers

On this page I’ve created a list of some of best books for writers that I use, or have used in the past. I’ve been writing for over 10 years, and have come across loads of different recommendations and read numerous books. Below are my favourites.

Some of the links below are affiliate links (find out more on the my affiliate page) I make a small % of anything you buy after using the links. But, I’ve taken great care in bringing together these writer resources, so please don’t think they are just on there for the sake of it. If I recommend it, it’s because I think it’s great.

There are some great books on writing out there. They are by far some of the best resources for writers that you can find. However, with so many, it can be difficult to find the key ones that will really help. So here are my top 3.

Bird by Bird by Anne Lamott

Quite simply one of the most charming books on writing ever written. Anne Lamott, especially in the first half of the book, will charm you and make you feel better about your writing and your attitude to it. Highly recommended.

Telling Lies for Fun and Profit by Laurence Block

Although this is a bit dated now (Block gives a lot of information about writing for magazines, which is probably low on your list of priorities) there are some fantastic titbits in here on how to keep writing when feeling down, and how to keep your productivity up. Block is a prolific writer, and has written dozens of books over his career. Really inspiring.

The Crafty Art of Playmaking by Alan Ayckbourn.

If you are a playwright and haven’t heard of Alan Ayckbourn then you should really check him out. His plays are perfect examples of the craft, even though they won’t be to everyone’s taste, and this book should be an essential additional to any playwright’s library. Other writers can learn a lot from the book to, as some of the advice on structure and dramatic impact translates to any type of writing.

The Four Hour Work Week by Tim Ferriss

If you’re looking to try and find some time to write, Tim Ferriss is the man to help you squeeze extra hours out of your day. Although, if you’re anything like me, his blog and podcast will start to suck up your time – so be careful with it!